Reusable cover with integrated fasteners for transporting goods on an industrial shipping rack

ABSTRACT

The invention is a resusable cover with integrated fasteners for transporting material on an industrial shipping rack which comprises a body. The body comprises an upper main flap distinguished from a rear panel section at an upper flap fold line. Similarly, the rear panel section is distinguished from a right panel section at a right panel section fold line and the rear panel section is additionally distinguished from a left panel section at a left panel section fold line. The right panel section is distinguished from a forward right panel section at a forward right panel section fold line and the left panel section is distinguished from a forward left panel section at a forward left panel section fold line.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to provisional patent application 61/506,452 filed on Jul. 11, 2011.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

THE NAMES OF PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not Applicable

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC

Not Applicable

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates industrial shipping racks and an efficient device for storing material on these racks.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The most common manner of securing items to industrial shipping racks is stretch plastic shrink wrap or “stretch film.” Stretch film contains many difficulties, notably it can only be used once and is expensive. A single use can cost $78. Virtually no stretch film is recycled and it requires 120-240 years to biodegrade in a landfill. As a result, others have proposed solutions to replacing stretch film in some settings, but these are woefully insufficient when compared to the present invention.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,549,654 issued to Anderson describes a rack which is used to move soiled clothing from a usage point to a laundry point. The rack discloses a cloth cover which covers a series of shelves that further comprise a series of baskets in which some laundry is stored in each basket. Anderson teaches, that by keeping materials isolated from the edges of the container, the container will be able to contain the materials. This teaches away from the current invention which utilizes a series of fasteners and more rugged material to keep the contents of the container in place by having a reinforced cover as opposed to using a plurality of shelves and baskets.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,923,458 issued to Hooper discloses a canvas tarp that covers the top and two sides of a wheeled cart. Hooper only teaches a way to cover the top and two sides of a cart and uses a plurality of metal bars to secure the other sides. As with Anderson, the Hooper device, if it worked, would be used in commercial settings where a pallet's motion can be carefully controlled by an operator and there was no need to secure the remaining sides. However, the present invention teaches a device that can be used in industrial settings, where, unlike the cargo in Hooper and Anderson, cargo moves wildly and requires a more sophisticated theory of reinforcement.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,954,384 issued to Hartwell teaches a fabric cover for moving food items. Like Anderson and Hooper it teaches keeping cargo stationary in order to move it and it does not teach a top enclosure or use of a desiccant to control moisture.

Additionally, none of the above stated references teach the security features for this invention. Pilfering is a known problem in industrial storage racks and the security straps and grommets taught in the claimed invention directly address that problem.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention includes methods, systems, and other means for protecting cargo on an industrial shipping rack. The invention is a resusable cover with integrated fasteners for transporting material on an industrial shipping rack which comprises a body. The body has five primary portions an upper main flap distinguished from a rear panel section at an upper flap fold line. Similarly, the rear panel section is distinguished from a right panel section at a right panel section fold line and the rear panel section is additionally distinguished from a left panel section at a left panel section fold line. The right panel section is distinguished from a forward right panel section at a forward right panel section fold line and the left panel section is distinguished from a forward left panel section at a forward left panel section fold line. The upper main flap is mechanically coupled to left upper flap side flap at a left upper flap side flap fold line. Similarly, the upper main flap is mechanically coupled to a right upper flap side flap at a right upper flap side flap fold line. Additionally, the upper main flap is mechanically coupled to an upper flap forward flap at an upper flap forward flap fold line. Here, the forward left panel section is mechanically coupled to the forward right panel section by an attachment mechanism and the attachment mechanism comprises a attached securement webbing mechanically coupled to a first D-ring and second D-ring.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1: is a perspective view of the invention shown in use in pre-application phase.

FIG. 2: is a perspective view of the invention shown in use in mid-application phase.

FIG. 3: is a perspective view of the invention shown in use in post-application phase.

FIG. 4: is a rear view of the invention

FIG. 5: is a front view of the invention.

FIG. 6: is a top detail view of the invention.

FIG. 7: is a detail perspective view of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention overcome many of the obstacles associated with moving materials on industrial shipping racks, and now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings that show some, but not all embodiments of the claimed inventions. Indeed, the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

FIG. 1 shows the invention in use. The user desires to ship cargo on industrial shipping rack 84. Industrial shipping rack 84 comprises a base mechanically coupled to left rear post 86, right rear post 86, left front post 88 and right front post 88. The user chooses to secure the cargo (not shown) to industrial shipping rack 84 with cover assembly 10.

Cover assembly 10 comprises upper main flap 26 which is mechanically coupled to rear panel section 52. Rear panel section 52 is mechanically coupled to right panel section 54 and left panel section 56. Right panel section 54 is further mechanically coupled to forward right panel section 60. Left panel section 56 is further mechanically coupled to forward left panel section 58. In some embodiments this configuration may be separate sections mechanically coupled by sewing and in other embodiments this configuration may be a single piece of material without mechanical couplings and with fold lines as shown in FIG. 4.

Upper main flap 26 further comprises a left upper flap side flap 28, a right upper flap side flap 28, upper flap forward flap 32. Right upper flap side flap 28 further comprises right upper flap side flap hook fastener 98. Left upper flap side flap 28 further comprises Left upper flap side flap hook fastener 98. Upper flap forward flap 32 further comprises upper flap side flap hook fastener 92. Forward left panel section 58 is mechanically coupled to attachment securing webbing 20 and view window 22.

FIG. 2 shows cover assembly 10 in a state of closure. Cover assembly 10 comprises body 24 which further comprises inner surface 12 which comprises the side of upper main flap 26, rear panel section 52, right panel section 54, left panel section 56, forward right panel section 60 and forward left panel section 58 which face the center of industrial shipping rack assembly 84. Body 24 further comprises outer surface 14 which comprises upper main flap 26, rear panel section 52, right panel section 54, left panel section 56, forward right panel section 60 and forward left panel section 58 which face away from the center of industrial shipping rack assembly 84. Body 24 can be made from a wide variety of materials including any durable reusable fabric. Additionally, nylon has proven to be an effective material.

To use the device a user places rear panel section 52 immediately adjacent to left rear post 86 and right rear post 86 such that right panel section fold line 62 is immediately adjacent to right rear post 86. The user then wraps left panel 56 such that is immediately adjacent to left rear post 86 and left front post 88 such that left front post 88 is immediately adjacent to forward left panel section fold line 70. The user then wraps right panel 62 such that is immediately adjacent to right rear post 86 and right front post 88 such that right front post 88 is immediately adjacent to forward right panel section fold line 64.

As shown, right panel 62 further comprises right panel section loop fastener 102. Forward right panel section 60 further comprises right panel section loop fastener 96, and D-ring 82, which is mechanically coupled to tension release cord 90. Left panel desiccant bag pouch 50 is mechanically couple to left panel section 56. Center panel desiccant bag pouch 50 is mechanically couple to center panel section 52.

FIG. 3 shows cover assembly 10 completely surrounding industrial shipping rack assembly 84 with only outer surface 14 showing. Upper main flap 26 comprises a right rear radius cut edge 44, a left rear radius cut edge 44, a right front radius cut edge 44 and a left front radius cut edge 44. The right rear radius cut edge 44 is mechanically coupled to right rear post 86 by right rear binding tape 46. Similarly, the left rear radius cut edge 44 is mechanically coupled to left rear post 86 by left rear binding tape 46. Additionally, the right front radius cut edge 44 is mechanically coupled to right front post 88 by right front binding tape 46. Additionally, the left front radius cut edge 44 is mechanically coupled to left front post 88 by left front binding tape 46.

As shown view window 22 is mechanically coupled to forward left panel section 58. A user can also mechanically couple logo 16 or packing slip pouch 18 to left panel section 58. Logo 16 is mechanically coupled to left panel section 58 with permanent labeling such as silk screening, embroidery, fabric paint, and other techniques and can be any color and in any location.

FIG. 4 is a rear view of cover assembly 10 showing inner surface 12 in detail. As noted above, upper main flap 26 is mechanically coupled to rear panel section 52 at upper flap fold line 48. Rear panel section 52 is mechanically coupled to right panel section 54 at right panel section fold line 62. Rear panel section 52 is additionally mechanically coupled to left panel section 56 at left panel section fold line 68. Right panel section 54 is mechanically coupled to forward right panel section 60 at forward right panel section fold line 64. Similarly, left panel section 56 is mechanically coupled to forward left panel section 58 at forward left panel section fold line 70.

Forward left panel section 58 further comprises view window 22, forward left panel desiccant bag pouch 50 left corner grommet 72, left security strap 78 and left security strap grommet 80. Forward left panel section 58 further comprises securement webbings 20. Forward right panel section 60 further comprises forward right panel desiccant bag pouch 50 right corner grommet 72, right security strap 78 and right security strap grommet 80. Right panel section 60 is mechanically coupled to right panel desiccant bag pouch 50. Center panel section 52 is mechanically coupled to center panel desiccant bag pouch 50. Right panel section 54 is mechanically coupled to right panel desiccant bag pouch 50.

The use of security straps and grommets to prevent pilfering is a novel feature of the device and this novel feature can be manifested in many ways including the usage of locks, locking bolts and similarly effective mechanisms that would secure all but the intended user from using the device.

FIG. 5 is a front view of cover assembly 10. Upper main flap 26 is mechanically coupled to left upper flap side flap 28 at left upper flap side flap fold line 36. Similarly, upper main flap 26 is mechanically coupled to right upper flap side flap 28 at right upper flap side flap fold line 36. Left upper flap side flap 28 further comprises left upper flap side flap tab 30, which further comprises left upper flap side flap tab grommet 34. Similarly, right upper flap side flap 28 further comprises right upper flap side flap tab 30, which further comprises right upper flap side flap tab grommet 34. Upper main flap 26 is mechanically coupled upper flap forward flap 32 at upper flap forward flap fold line 40. Upper flap forward flap 32 further comprises left upper flap forward flap grommet 42 and right upper flap forward flap grommet 42.

Forward right panel section 60 is mechanically coupled to D-ring webbing 76, which is further mechanically coupled to D-ring 82 and tension release cord 90. To secure forward right panel section 60 to forward left panel section 58, a user mechanically couples attached securement webbing 20 to D-ring 82 in a well-known manner. To uncouple attached securement webbing 20 from D-ring 82, a user applies force to tension release cord 90 in a well-known manner. A user could mechanically couple logo 16 into any position on this view in the manner stated above.

To mechanically couple upper main flap 26 to forward left panel section 60 and forward left panel 58, a user mechanically couples upper flap forward hook fastener 92 to forward left panel section loop fastener 94 and forward right panel section loop fastener 96. Similarly, a user can mechanically couple upper main flap 26 to right panel section 54 by mechanically right upper flap side flap hook fastener 98 to right panel section loop fastener 102. Additionally, a user can mechanically couple upper main flap 26 to left panel section 56 by mechanically coupling left upper flap side flap hook fastener 98 to left panel section loop fastener 100.

FIG. 6 shows the attachment mechanism in more detail. As noted above, cover assembly 10 comprises body 24, which further comprises inner surface 12 and outer surface 14. Attached securement webbing 20 is mechanically coupled to outer surface 14 as shown in FIG. 5. Outer surface 14 is mechanically coupled to a first D-ring 82 and a second D-ring 82, which is further mechanically coupled to tension release cord 90 in a as shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 7 shows the attachment mechanism in another view. To use the attachment mechanism a user inserts attached securement webbing 20 underneath first D-ring 82 and second D-ring 82. The user then takes attached securement webbing 20 and loops it back over second D-ring 82 and underneath first D-ring 82. A user can tighten attached securement webbing 20 as necessary to complete the mechanical couple. To undo the mechanical couple a user simply applies pressure to tension release cord 90. 

1. A resusable cover with integrated fasteners for transporting material on an industrial shipping rack, comprising, a body further comprising an upper main flap distinguished from a rear panel section at an upper flap fold line; where the rear panel section is distinguished from a right panel section at a right panel section fold line and the rear panel section is additionally distinguished from a left panel section at a left panel section fold line; where the right panel section is distinguished from a forward right panel section at a forward right panel section fold line; where the left panel section is distinguished from a forward left panel section at a forward left panel section fold line; the upper main flap is mechanically coupled to left upper flap side flap at a left upper flap side flap fold line; the upper main flap is mechanically coupled to a right upper flap side flap at a right upper flap side flap fold line; the upper main flap is mechanically coupled to an upper flap forward flap at an upper flap forward flap fold line; where the forward left panel section is mechanically coupled to the forward right panel section by an attachment mechanism; where the attachment mechanism comprises an attached securement webbing mechanically coupled to a first D-ring and second D-ring.
 2. The resusable cover with integrated fasteners for transporting material on an industrial shipping rack of claim 1, further comprising, where the upper main flap is mechanically coupled to the rear panel section at the upper flap fold line; where the rear panel section is further mechanically coupled to the right panel section at the right panel section fold line and the rear panel section is additionally mechanically coupled to the left panel section at the left panel section fold line; where the right panel section is mechanically coupled to the forward right panel section at the forward right panel section fold line; where the left panel section is mechanically coupled to the forward left panel section at the forward left panel section fold line;
 3. The resusable cover with integrated fasteners for transporting material on an industrial shipping rack of claim 1, further comprising, where the right panel section further comprises a right panel section loop fastener; where the left panel section further comprises a left panel section loop fastener; where the forward left panel section further comprises a forward left panel section loop fastener; where the left upper flap side flap further comprises a left upper flap side flap hook fastener; where the right upper flap side flap further comprises a right upper flap side flap hook fastener; where the upper flap forward flap further comprises an upper flap forward hook fastener.
 4. The resusable cover with integrated fasteners for transporting material on an industrial shipping rack of claim 1, further comprising, where the attachment mechanism comprises the attached securement webbing mechanically coupled to the first D-ring and the second D-ring. 